QNAP TS-453E-8G-US 4 Bay High-Performance Desktop NAS with Intel Celeron Quad-core Processor, 8 GB DDR4 RAM and Dual 2.5GbE (2.5G/1G/100M) Network Connectivity (Diskless)
Want the best price and purchase timing?
Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.
AI Verdict
This 4-bay diskless NAS with an Intel Celeron J6412, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and dual 2.5GbE is for small businesses needing long-term surveillance or fast file sharing.
This NAS is a strong fit for its intended audience of small businesses and IT professionals due to its long-term availability until 2029 and robust feature set. The dual 2.5GbE ports and NVMe SSD slots provide performance suitable for demanding network tasks and surveillance applications. The included 8GB RAM is adequate for many use cases, despite being non-upgradable.
If you anticipate needing more than 8GB of RAM for extensive virtualization or future-proofing, look for NAS models with user-upgradable memory slots.
Regret Score™
Low RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- Dual 2.5GbE ports accelerate file sharing and large transfers across teams and devices.
- Dual M.2 PCIe Gen3x2 NVMe SSD slots enable cache acceleration or SSD storage pools for improved performance.
- Includes 8GB DDR4 RAM, providing capacity for multitasking and running virtual machines.
- Multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (Type-A) offer up to 10Gb/s transfer speeds for fast external device compatibility.
- QNAP provides long-term availability and support for this model until 2029, making it suitable for IT-related businesses.
- Dual HDMI outputs provide direct multimedia playback and robust surveillance monitoring.
Cons
- The 8GB DDR4 RAM is soldered internally and cannot be upgraded, despite the Intel Celeron J6412 CPU supporting more memory.
- The Intel Celeron J6412 processor may not handle heavy on-the-fly transcoding for multiple 4K streams efficiently.
- Some users consider the chassis design dated compared to newer QNAP models, impacting aesthetic appeal.
Dimension Scores
Dual 2.5GbE ports and M.2 NVMe SSD slots for caching provide significantly faster data transfer than standard 1GbE NAS devices.
QNAP offers long-term support for this model until 2029, and recent OS updates have improved security after past malware reports.
Four drive bays allow for flexible RAID configurations and substantial storage capacity, fitting most small business or prosumer needs.
Supports Serial ATA drives, Windows and Mac backups, multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 devices, and offers dual HDMI outputs for direct display.
Best For
- Small businesses or MSPs requiring a NAS with long-term product availability and support.
- Users needing a dedicated surveillance solution for centrally recording and managing multiple cameras.
- Environments where fast file sharing and large file transfers are critical, leveraging dual 2.5GbE networking.
- Prosumers or small offices looking to utilize NVMe SSD caching for accelerated storage performance.
Not Recommended For
- Users who require RAM upgradeability for future expansion or more demanding applications.
- Individuals needing a NAS primarily for heavy, real-time 4K video transcoding for multiple concurrent streams.
- Budget-conscious home users who only need basic file storage and backup without advanced features.
Watch Out For
- The 8GB DDR4 RAM is soldered internally, preventing upgrades even though the Intel Celeron J6412 CPU supports up to 32GB of memory.
- Users reported malware problems that required reformatting in the past, though recent OS updates have improved security.
- The initial setup and configuration of the QTS operating system can be complex for new NAS users without prior experience.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0B99N9QMM |
| Size | 2.5GbE NAS |
| Brand | QNAP |
| Color | Black |
| Hard Drive | 4 TB Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Item Weight | 7.56 pounds |
| Manufacturer | QNAP |
| Hardware Platform | Mac |
| Item model number | TS-453E-8G |
| Compatible Devices | Camera |
| Product Dimensions | 21 x 13 x 14 inches |
| Hard Drive Interface | Serial ATA |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 21 x 13 x 14 inches |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 7200 |
What Buyers Say
Users are generally satisfied with the QNAP TS-453E-8G-US, particularly highlighting its performance for file sharing and surveillance. The dual 2.5GbE ports and NVMe SSD caching capabilities are frequently praised for boosting data transfer speeds. However, a significant point of contention is the soldered 8GB RAM, which prevents any future memory upgrades, limiting its long-term flexibility for more demanding applications. Some also find the physical design a bit outdated compared to other QNAP offerings. Past security issues with malware were reported, but recent OS updates have addressed these concerns.
“I bought this for my small business to replace an old server, and while the 2.5GbE is a game-changer for moving big files, I'm kinda bummed I can't throw more RAM in it down the road if I need to.”
Common Praise
- Dual 2.5GbE ports provide noticeably faster network speeds for file transfers.
- NVMe SSD slots for caching significantly improve storage performance and responsiveness.
- The Intel Celeron J6412 processor handles general NAS tasks and virtual machines smoothly with 8GB RAM.
- Functions effectively as a dedicated surveillance recording and management solution.
- Long-term support commitment from QNAP is reassuring for business users.
Common Complaints
- The 8GB RAM is soldered and cannot be upgraded, which feels restrictive for a 'high-performance' model.
- The chassis design looks a bit old-fashioned compared to newer QNAP NAS units.
- Initial setup and configuration of QTS can be challenging for users new to NAS systems.
- The Celeron CPU struggles with heavy, real-time 4K transcoding for multiple users.
Ownership Tips
- The dual HDMI ports are surprisingly useful for direct monitoring of surveillance feeds without needing a separate client device.
- Setting up NVMe caching takes a bit of learning, but the performance boost for frequently accessed files is noticeable.
- QNAP's NetBak Replicator and Time Machine compatibility make backups straightforward for Windows and Mac users.
- Despite initial malware reports, QNAP's OS updates have made the system feel more secure and stable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade the RAM on this NAS?
No, the 8GB DDR4 RAM included with the QNAP TS-453E-8G-US is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.
What kind of drives does it support?
This NAS supports Serial ATA hard drives and SSDs in its four bays. It also has dual M.2 PCIe Gen3x2 NVMe SSD slots for cache acceleration or SSD storage pools.
Is it fast enough for media streaming?
Yes, the Intel Celeron J6412 processor and dual 2.5GbE ports are capable of streaming media. It also features dual HDMI outputs for direct multimedia playback.
Is this NAS suitable for surveillance systems?
Yes, the TS-453E is designed as a one-stop surveillance solution for centrally recording and managing multiple cameras and surveillance servers.
What operating system does the QNAP TS-453E-8G-US use?
It runs QNAP's QTS operating system by default, and you have the option to switch to the QuTS hero operating system.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a NAS like this, you're essentially buying a mini-server for your home or small office. It's not just about storing files; it's about having a central hub for backups, media, and even running apps. Think about how many people will access it, what kind of files you'll store, and if you need it to do more than just hold data. This model is diskless, meaning you'll need to buy hard drives separately.
Intel Celeron J6412 Quad-core Processor
This is the 'brain' of your NAS. A quad-core Celeron is capable for most file serving, media streaming, and light virtualization tasks. If you plan on heavy video transcoding or running many virtual machines, a more powerful CPU (like an i3 or Ryzen) would be better.
8GB DDR4 RAM (non-upgradable)
RAM is like the short-term memory. 8GB is a good starting point for a multi-user NAS, especially with features like SSD caching. However, since it's soldered, you're stuck with 8GB, so consider if your future needs might exceed this, as more RAM allows for more concurrent tasks and better performance with virtual machines.
Dual 2.5GbE Network Connectivity
This determines how fast data moves between your NAS and other devices on your network. 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet is 2.5 times faster than standard 1 Gigabit Ethernet, which is a big deal for large file transfers or multiple users accessing the NAS simultaneously. Make sure your router and other devices also support 2.5GbE to take full advantage.
Dual M.2 PCIe Gen3x2 NVMe SSD slots
These slots let you add super-fast NVMe SSDs to act as a cache for your slower hard drives. Think of it like a fast lane for your most frequently accessed data, significantly speeding up read and write operations without needing to buy expensive SSDs for all your storage bays.
Alternatives
If you need more RAM or the ability to upgrade it later, look for models with user-accessible SODIMM slots. For heavier transcoding or virtualization, search for NAS units with more powerful CPUs like Intel Core i3/i5 or AMD Ryzen processors.
You Might Also Like
Seagate IronWolf Pro SATA III 3.5" Internal NAS Hard Drive, 2-Pack - 8TB
$300-$599A 2-pack of 8TB 7200 RPM CMR internal hard drives with 256MB cache, built for 24/7 multi-bay NAS environments.
QNAP TS-453E-8G-US 4 Bay High-Performance Desktop NAS with Intel Celeron Quad-core Processor, 8 GB DDR4 RAM and Dual 2.5GbE (2.5G/1G/100M) Network Connectivity (Diskless)
$600+A 4-bay diskless NAS with an Intel Celeron J6412, 8GB DDR4 RAM, dual 2.5GbE, and M.2 NVMe slots for businesses needing long-term support.
Seagate Exos 28TB Internal Hard Drive HDD - 3.5 in CMR SATA 6Gb/s, 7200 RPM, 512MB Cache, 2.5M MTBF - ST28000NM000C (Renewed)
$300-$599This 28TB, 7200 RPM, 3.5-inch CMR SATA 6Gb/s renewed hard drive is for serious data hoarders needing massive capacity at a lower price point.
1TB G-Drive ArmorATD Rugged, Durable Portable External HDD, Up to 130MB/s, USB-C (5Gbps), USB 3.2 Gen 1 – SDPHE1G-001T
$50-$99A 1TB mechanical hard drive with a 130MB/s read speed and USB-C (5Gbps) connectivity, built for users needing rugged, portable storage for school or creative projects.